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[av_heading heading=’JUST ANOTHER DAY | And the strike failed…’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY LUIS BUENAFLOR JR.
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Friday, June 9, 2017
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FOR ALL intents and purposes, the much ballyhooed two-day transport strike on June 5 and 6 in Iloilo failed to really create any kind of serious effect on the lives of the natives of the city. At best it made some minor but negligible inconvenience that were easily managed, as all the taxis went about their usual routes and a big number of jeepneys did not join the strike.
Other than that big tent the strikers set up in front of the provincial capitol which served as most probably their command center, one would hardly notice that there was a transport strike going on. Anyway most people passing by just ignored the speakers blaring out the usual boring slogan-laced speeches.
If the purpose was to paralyze the city then it failed miserably as life was quite normal; all establishments were business as usual, banks were open, most schools had their opening day as scheduled.
And most important, moi was able to go to my regular coffee shop had my caffeine fix, and caught the latest political and social gossips with a nary a hitch. “Just another day.”
Take note here that moi does not own a car; my preferred rides are my Merrell Trailrunner and Reebok cross-trainers.
The strike had actually some positive effects eavesdropping on the conversation of regulars at the coffee shop; for, one there was relatively no traffic, the air was much cleaner less the exhaust fumes of the antiquated jeepneys, and most tricycle and pedicab drivers had a windfall. Taxi and jeepney drivers who didn’t join the strike also had an early bonus.
The actual scenario during the two-day transport strike was exactly the opposite of the boast early this week by Raymundo Parcon, president of the Iloilo City Loop Alliance of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association, that jeepney drivers and operators wanted to make their protest massive and crippling.
If there was anything crippled during that two-day strike, it was probably the strike itself.
If the strike was to bring attention to the jeepney as an obsolete mode of public transport that should be phased out and upgraded to something more relevant to the present needs of the public transport and commuter sector, then yes it was a success.
This strike is not your usual one asking for a fare increase or protesting the rising prices of fuel. The reason for this one is going to change the entire jeepney industry that we know of and for the better, I may say.
In Panay News’ May 18 issue:
“During a recent visit here, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chief Martin Delgra said the Board planned to kick-start the transport modernization program by June 1. The program included phasing out jeepneys 15 years old and older.
“Under this scheme, jeepney operators will reportedly be required to buy brand new units only from manufacturers accredited by the Land Transportation Office.
“If PISTON were to be believed, jeepney drivers and operators will also be required to use an ‘automatic fare collection system’ and expensive Global Positioning System.”
And that folks is the reason for this strike on June 5 and 6. PISTON or the Pinag-Isang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide and other jeepney drivers and operators’ groups refuse to change for the better which will benefit both the driver and the commuter, insisting instead on their old antiquated ways.
The jeepney is an obsolete mode of public transport which was born out of the need for public transport right after World War 2.
“The jeepney started as remodelled army vehicles left behind by US forces after World War II, and became a showcase of Filipino ingenuity and resourcefulness. Mainly patronized by low- to middle-income passengers, it has become the core of Philippine public transport.”
Again, take note folks, the second World War was 72 years ago and the jeepney drivers still want to force the commuters to use this antique and obsolete mode of public transport.
The jeepney, together with the calesa and caritela, belong to the museum and quaint memories of a bygone era.
In terms of relevant mass transport, the jeepney no longer serves that purpose. Its maximum load are 18 passengers; to transport 100 commuters you need at least six jeepneys, so you have five more vehicles in an already crowded highway, whereas an upgraded version with a passenger load of say 50 will only be needing two vehicles to transport 100 commuters.
Do the math; which vehicle helps solve the traffic situation or add more to it? And let’s not forget the carbon footprint as these 15-year-old jeepneys use fossil fuel while these upgraded versions are environment-friendly.
Let me end with some excerpts from the June 6 issue of Panay News:
“Passenger jeepneys joining the two-day transport strike risk losing their franchises.
“Holding a strike is a franchise violation, said Director Richard Osmeña of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region 6.
“Show-cause orders will be issued to the operators of striking jeepneys.” So there! (brotherlouie16@gmail.com/PN)
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